In a world where wars and conflicts seem to be a never-ending reality, the question arises – why can’t we have peace ministries like we have defense ministries? This thought-provoking question is posed by Rajagopal PV, the founder of Ekta Parishad, an organization dedicated to non-violent activism for social change. In his soft-spoken yet formidable manner, Rajagopal PV challenges us to imagine a world where peace is not just a utopian dream but a tangible reality.
Founded in 1989, Ekta Parishad has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights of marginalized communities in India through non-violent means. But it is Rajagopal PV’s vision of a world rooted in peace that sets Ekta Parishad apart from other activist groups. He believes that just like we are encouraged to view issues through a gender lens, we should also have a peace lens to look at the world. This means incorporating the principles of non-violence and peacebuilding in every aspect of our lives – from business models to education systems.
But why do we need a peace lens, you may ask? The answer lies in the state of our world today. We live in a time where conflicts and violence have become the norm. From wars between nations to violent protests in our streets, we are constantly surrounded by an atmosphere of aggression and hostility. This has not only led to loss of lives and destruction of property but has also affected the mental and emotional well-being of individuals. We cannot deny the fact that violence begets more violence and the cycle continues. In such a scenario, isn’t it time to try a different approach?
As Rajagopal PV rightly points out, our education system teaches us various subjects and skills, but it fails to teach us the most crucial aspect of life – peace. We are taught how to make a living but not how to live peacefully with others. This is where the need for a peace lens becomes even more apparent. We need to start incorporating teachings of non-violence and conflict resolution in our education system, starting from a young age. This will not only equip children with important life skills but also cultivate a culture of peace and understanding.
Moreover, we need to challenge the prevailing notion that violence is the only way to deal with conflicts. Our defense ministries are solely focused on preparing for war and protecting the nation from external threats. But what about the internal conflicts within the nation? Shouldn’t we have a ministry dedicated to resolving these conflicts through peaceful means? This is where a peace ministry comes into play. It would work towards promoting dialogue and mediation instead of resorting to violence.
Some may argue that a peace ministry is too idealistic and not practical. But let us not forget that many great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela have used non-violent methods to bring about significant social and political changes. Their legacy continues to inspire and guide us. It is high time we take their teachings seriously and apply them in our everyday lives.
Furthermore, we also need to imagine a business model that is rooted in non-violence. Businesses often thrive on competition and the need to outdo each other. This often leads to cut-throat practices and exploitation of resources. But what if businesses operated on the principles of non-violence, where they work together for the greater good of the society and the environment? This may sound like a far-fetched idea, but it is not impossible. We have seen examples of successful businesses practicing ethical and sustainable methods, and it is time to encourage more businesses to follow suit.
In conclusion, the idea of a peace ministry may seem unconventional, but isn’t it worth considering? The world needs a paradigm shift towards peace and non-violence. We need to move away from the culture of violence and embrace a culture of peace. As Rajagopal PV says, “Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.” Let us start viewing the world through a peace lens and work towards building a better, more peaceful future for ourselves and generations to come.
